Music Scholarships

The Governors offer at least ten awards in Music to pupils who have gained a place through the normal entry arrangements (tests and interviews). The value of Music Scholarships can be up to 25% of the fees on merit and may be awarded jointly with an Academic award. Bursarial assistance may be available (up to full fees in case of need); it would be helpful if this were indicated on the Application Form. Music Exhibitions are also offered without fee remission. All Music Scholars and Exhibitioners are offered free tuition on two instruments (including voice) with the School’s music teachers during school time. Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are normally tenable throughout a pupil’s time at the School, provided progress and conduct remain satisfactory.

Music Scholarship Examination

Entry at 16+: Thursday 5 November 2009 at Highgate School
Entry at 13+: Thursday 4 and Friday 5th February 2010 at Highgate School
Entry at 11+: Thursday 21 and Friday 22nd January 2010 at Highgate School

Requirements:

16+: Grade 8+ on 1st instrument, Grade 5+ on 2nd instrument in a 12-minute recital
13+: Grade 6+ on 1st instrument, Grade 3+ on 2nd instrument in a 10-minute recital
11+: Grade 4+ on 1st instrument, Grade 1+ on 2nd instrument in a 7-minute recital

The examination is open to singers and instrumentalists. There is no requirement for candidates to study Music at GCSE or A level as any part of the award. Special consideration will be given to Cathedral and Collegiate Choristers. All candidates should be prepared to give a recital showing the best of their range as practical musicians on their chosen instruments, and must also take aural tests, read at sight and play scales and arpeggios appropriate to their level of experience.

In addition to the Music Scholarship Exam, there is the option to take a Musical Aptitude Test at 11+ only. This will give an indication of the pupil’s suitability to gain an internal award at 13+. Successful candidates in this test will learn two instruments and be required to join at least two groups (including a choir) and are automatically entered for the 13+ Music Scholarships. The tests will take place at the same time as interviews and will thus be open to candidates invited to interviews in January.

Music Activities

Award holders are expected to contribute regularly and fully to the musical life of the school throughout their career and their progress is monitored by the Director of Music.

Music activities include:

Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra & String Orchestra

Symphonic Band, Concert Band & Swing Band

Chapel Choir, Girls' Choir & Concert Choir

Jazz Groups & Rock Workshops

Numerous chamber groups

There are regular concerts (usually one per week) during term-time. Each group performs at least twice a year (Chapel and Girls’ Choirs approximately every three weeks). There are additionally many opportunities for solo performance. The House Music Competition, solo instrumental and vocal competitions and masterclasses provide opportunities for work with distinguished visiting musicians.

How to Apply

Application Deadlines:

Entry at 16+: Tuesday 20 October 2009
Entry at 13+ and 11+: Wednesday 6 January 2010

Music Scholarship application forms are available from the Admissions Coordinator, and should be returned to:

The Admissions Coordinator
Highgate School,
North Road,
London
N6 4AY

If you would like to discuss the Scholarship examination further or would like any advice, please feel free to contact Lionel Steuart Fothringham, the Director of Music.Telephone 020 8347 3552; email: lionel.steuartfothringham@highgateschool.org.uk

Music at Highgate

Highgate music has a long and distinguished tradition and many former pupils are now leading musicians. They include John Tavener (composer), John Rutter (composer and conductor), Howard Shelley (pianist and conductor), Jan Latham-Koenig (conductor), and Daniel Hope (violinist). Pupils are offered a wide range of musical activities designed both to encourage the beginner and to stimulate and further the skills of the talented musician.

School activities in recent years have included:

performances of Haydn's Nelson Mass, Bach’s St John Passion, Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria,Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Handel’s Messiah and Rutter’s Requiem in Southwark Cathedral

performances of Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s The Creation at Westminster Central Hall

regular chamber and orchestral concerts; highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No.5, Schubert’s Symphony No.3 and Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto, , performed by pupils as soloists with the Symphony Orchestra

performances of the musicals The Boy Friend, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors and Oklahoma!

Chapel Choir singing services at Llandaff and Chichester cathedrals and at churches in St Albans, Islington and Muswell Hill; tours to Czech Republic and Paris.

Symphonic Band tour to Germany

two professional recordings by the Chapel Choir

workshops on the Gamelan LSO St Luke's